PDF * ENGLISH CURRENT VERSION

Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose/Material Description.

The hydrographic process consists of a water bath onto which a water soluble decorative film is floated. When activated, the film transfers an ink pattern to the surface of a molded plastic part or plaque dipped into the bath. Parts and plaques may be molded-in-color or paint base coated prior to ink transfer to achieve the target appearance. Parts and plaques are typically clear coated following decoration, but films may use Ultraviolet (UV) cure inks requiring no top coat as long as all listed requirements are met. Films are defined by type and grade and construction code and shall be specified on the part drawing. See Section 8.

Type. The films are designated based on hydrographic film ink type and presence or absence of clearcoat. If there is no suffix assigned, the assumption will be Type A.

• Type A Non-UV ink hydrographic systems with a clearcoat.

• Type B UV cure ink hydrographic systems with no clearcoat.

Grade. Grade will define the anticipated application exposure UV and temperature levels. If no Grade is specified, Grade 1 is assumed. See Table B1 in Appendix B for requirements.

• Grade 1 Standard, lower UV, and temperature exposure.

• Grade 2 High, higher UV, and temperature exposure applications such as the upper, horizontal instrument panel trim and package shelves.

Symbols.

Construction approved materials will be identified in the GM Materials Approved Source List/Appearance Database by construction codes. These GM internal codes identify the decoration by the elements of Technology, Surface, Topcoat chemistry, Backing Layer (i.e., part substrate) and Grade and will be defined by the appropriate GM Materials Engineer during construction and color approvals. See Appendix A, Table A1 for explanation of these codes.

Applicability.

Typical applications include, but are not limited to, steering wheel rims, gear shift knobs, door trim, console trim, and instrument panel trim.

Remarks.

Production intent materials/process surrogate pattern data shall be demonstrated to meet the requirements of this specification, ideally, prior to sourcing and, at the latest, prior to the intended program Integration Vehicle Engineering Release (IVER). Contact the appropriate GM Materials Engineer.